Vakouftsis coup for APOEL
Monday, September 2, 2002
Article summary
APOEL Nicosia FC have announced the signing of striker Georgos Vakouftsis from Iraklis FC.
Article body
Cypriot champions and UEFA Cup hopefuls APOEL Nicosia FC have announced that they signed striker Georgos Vakouftsis from Iraklis FC in Greece hours before the transfer deadline closed.
Remarkable turn
The former Greek Under-21 international – who scored the second goal in Greece's 3-1 victory against England last summer – started his career with Panathinaikos FC but after a brief spell in Athens his career took a remarkable turn when he was transferred to former Serie A club AC Fiorentina.
Back to Greece
After failing to hold down a first-team place in Italy, playing just nine games without scoring a goal in the five seasons he was there, he decided to move back to Greece where he signed for Iraklis.
Early warning
Vakouftsis fired an early warning to all the other clubs in Cyprus when speaking about signing for his new club. "I don't want to make any promises to the supporters of my new team but I will say that I'll show who I am on the pitch," he said. "I am very happy to have signed for APOEL. One of the main reasons for me coming here is because of the coach Egen Gerard who I respect very much. I wish to help the Nicosia club for one season then return to Greece."
